1993 Vatican Documented Theca with Relics of 2 Early Popes: St. Marcellinus & St. Marcellus I
Round glass-fronted yellow-metal reliquary theca with a scalloped openwork border housing first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relics of two early Martyr Popes: of Saint Pope Marcellinus and Saint Pope Marcellus I. The relics are affixed to small white flower-shaped mounts against a deep-red silk ground and identified in Latin on typeset cedulae labels as S. Marcellini P. M. and S. Marcelli I P. M. (Saint Marcellinus, Pope and Martyr, and Saint Marcellus I, Pope and Martyr). On the back, under the protective cap, the theca is secured by a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Vicar General of Rome (1991–2008). The reliquary is accompanied by a matching authentics document issued through the Vicariate of Rome on October 20, 1993, bearing the signature of Bishop Clemente Riva, Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, and registration number 486.
Saint Pope Marcellinus (†304) served as Pope from 296 to 304. His pontificate encompassed the beginning of Emperor Diocletian’s persecution, during which churches were destroyed, sacred books confiscated, and Christians subjected to imprisonment and death. He was buried in the Cemetery of Priscilla in Rome. Although traditionally honored as a martyr, the circumstances of his death remain uncertain. His veneration dates to early Christianity, preceding formal canonization procedures. His feast day is April 26.
Saint Pope Marcellus I (†309) served as Pope from 308 to 309, helping restore the organization of the Roman Church after Diocletian’s persecution. He required penance from Christians who had abandoned their faith during the persecution before their reconciliation with the Church. Disputes over these measures contributed to unrest, and Emperor Maxentius banished him from Rome. He died in exile and was honored as a saint through ancient Christian tradition, preceding formal canonization procedures. His feast day is January 16.
